Wednesday, May 9, 2012

See the girl of the stage? Twirling and jumping like she's dancing on a layer of water. She goes onto releve, an arabesque en penche with a leap sequence and the audience holds their breath. She has everything that thousands of girls would die for. Everything yet nothing, a life dominated by dance. Hannah lives her life as one of these dancers, juggling rehearsals and shows without a moment to be young. But up until now, she's been content dedicating her life to ballet. Then she meets Jacob, and Hannah must decide if she wants to continue to compete to be the star of the company or to dive into a new adventure in the real world. She must make a choice, her life long dream or the assurance of living an every day life. And by the end she will surely reach her breaking pointe, a choice of her two loves.

Sophie Flack knows ballet better than anyone. A former ballet dancer herself, she knows how it feels to live the lifestyle so few ever obtain. The sacrifices, the dedication, the emotions are her own. Step behind the curtain, past the glamour and the glitter and experience first hand what this art form is really like. What it takes to reach the top, what it feels like to taste victory. And of course the strength it takes to make the toughest decisions that life throws your way.

Love dance? Then you'll adore this novel. Not a dancer, but still curious about the life of a ballerina? Then you'll be hooked by the book that puts everything out on the page. You will feel like you really know Hannah, that you can relate to her struggles in your own life. She's a friend, and someone that you can see a little bit of yourself in. So what are you waiting for, don't you want to know what's going on under than elastic-tight bun?

Meet Charlie. Charlie is a freshman, going through the motions of his life trying to please everyone else around him. Take the journey from ordinary kid along the roller coaster of life to a point of no return. Friendship. First Love. Jealous. Sexual tension. Confusion. Its all apart of life and we're all just along for the ride. From standing on the edge to feeling infinite, Charlie describes what it's really like to be a teenager through a series of letters to an anonymous receiver.You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be left wondering what the hell just happened. It's that mind blowing.

No book describes what it is like to be a teenager better than this one. You'll feel the heartache, the thirst for answers, and by the end you'll know Charlie as if he were a friend of your own. Beautifully written, yet painfully realistic this book straddles the line between a fictional memoir and pure artistry. We all know Charlie, he is all of us. One boy, symbolizing everything that being a teenager is about. His thoughts, his actions, his emotions are our own.

If you have a pulse, you'll love The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Heck even a brain hungry zombie would love this book because it's that good. Quick in length, you'll devour this book before you know it. But be warned, once you've had a taste there is no going back. This novel is far too delectable to put down, and the addiction will spread with every turn of the page.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Jump into the luxuriously life of the elite during the roaring twenties as Nick, a Midwesterner who is looking to begin his career in the East. You're introduced to Daisy and Tom Buchanan, who are wealthy in both their riches and good looks. Life at the East Egg, life of those with old money, may appear to be perfect but secrets lie in wait. Deception, lies, manipulation, all to remain in power. And then of course their is Gatsby. Relentlessly pining for Daisy, he too hides a secret of his get-rich-quick success. You'll be shocked by the twists and turns of the characters, left wondering if life really is greener on the other side.

This novel is a classic, you'll probably end up reading it in an English. But this isn't some white bread story about star crossed lovers or the memoir of a young black boy, this story will have you gripping the handlebars of life and leaving you craving for more. The time period of the 1920s, oozes wealth while at the same time includes the dangers and excitement of a rising elitist youth. Think Gossip Girl from one hundred years ago. Still not convinced? Do you see yourself as an observer of life around you? Do you love to criticize those who have power and fame, see their lives for anything but glamorous? Well then you'll love the perspective of Nick because he is able to remove the mask of superficial glitz and stare the corruption of wealth in the eyes.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves classic literature, or those who loved the book Of Mice and Men. Do you cringe at the idea of reading a school book for fun? Well if you love romance, scandal, tragedy and corruption you'll love this novel. Did you know that there is a new movie adaptation of the book starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan? Well you better snatch this book of the shelf, because it is sure to make a major splash on the big screen.